by Desiree Holt
“Think you’ve spent enough busy time avoiding conversation?” Alex’s voice was tinged with amusement.
Liz looked up to see him watching her with those hot, blue eyes, and her thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind. It distressed her that he could affect her so strongly, and she had to work hard to keep the bad memories from pushing their way back to the surface.
He’s not like that. It won’t happen again.
How do you know? And what if—
Shut up, brain.
“Liz.” Alex leaned forward and rested his hand on her forearm, his fingers lightly stroking her skin.
She finally allowed herself to let her gaze travel over the parts of him she could easily see. God, he was so magnificently mouthwatering. Not in the overt way of some Doms she’d been with. Rather it was a combination of his rugged good looks, quiet confidence, and an aura of sexual awareness. He smiled at her again, obviously hoping to put her at ease.
She cleared her throat. “Trish is making a really good start in her training. She’s only had two lessons so far, but she’s a natural. So is Jester.” She picked up a French fry, dipped it in ketchup and delicately bit off the end.
Alex lifted his hamburger and watched her over the top of it. “I plan to come to her lesson tomorrow. To watch. I promised her.” He took a bite of the burger.
Liz watched the muscles of his jaw flex as he chewed, of his throat as he swallowed, and felt herself getting instantly and thoroughly wet. She wondered if her scent carried to the people around her or mercifully was buried beneath the heavy aroma of grilled meat and fried side dishes.
“I assume that’s all right with you?” he asked. “I mentioned it the day I delivered Jester.”
She could tell by the laughter in his eyes that he’d caught her staring at him. Holy hell! She was just getting herself in deeper and deeper. But she seemed to have no real resistance where this man was concerned, drawn into the erotic web he was weaving despite the reservations growing within her. Liz let out a slow breath. Was Katie right? Could this really be different than her big disaster?
For the past two days, she’d driven herself crazy, trying to blank her mind with hard work. Her brain, unfortunately, refused to shut down and kept dredging up Katie’s words.
“Everyone is different. I didn’t know this other man, but I can tell you Alex would never try to control you like that.” Then a grin. “Except in the bedroom, of course.”
Should she tell him her sordid little story? Explain why she was afraid to move things beyond Rawhide? Would he look at her as someone too pathetic it warrant further sessions? Or anything else? It had been hard enough dredging it up for Katie, but she had a feeling that Alex would not be put off by anything other than the truth. Why, oh why had this had to happen? If she didn’t feel this intense connection to him, she could just walk away, but suddenly the prospect of that seemed less and less attractive.
And now, today, while she was still so unsettled about everything, here was Alex himself, setting fire to her with just a look and a touch. And he was looking at her expectantly, for some reason.
Oh, right. Coming to watch Trish’s lesson tomorrow.
“Of course, that will be fine. And I know she’ll be excited to have you there.”
“And you, Liz?” He leaned across the table. “Will you be glad, too?”
“I…Alex, I don’t…” God, could she sound any more idiotic?
“It’s okay.” He leaned back in his chair and picked up his hamburger again. “As long as you’re glad to see me at Rawhide, I’ll accept that for now. But you need to know something. Whatever’s keeping you from taking this thing between us any further, you can talk to me about it. And I don’t mean the bullshit about what your workers will think. Anyone gives you any lip, just fire them. Reece or I can always help you with new hires.”
She gave a shaky laugh. “Katie said the same thing.”
“Katie is a sensible person.”
“And now I think we should just enjoy our lunch. Like two friends.”
Two friends. Right.
But in the end, it turned out to be very pleasant. The weather was sunny and warm with a soft breeze that ruffled the edges of the umbrellas. All around them conversation ebbed and flowed, traffic noises playing a counterpoint. And the hamburger and fries were damn good.
Liz actually found herself falling into an easy conversation with Alex. About horses, training, ranchers in general, and the Hill Country specifically. Alex told her how he’d started out in banking but decided it was too confining for him. And the area at the time really needed a good ranch supply company. A loan from the bank he was leaving got him off the ground, and he took it from there.
And bit by bit Liz told him about growing up in Oklahoma and working summers and after school on a cutting horse ranch.
“The first time I set foot on that ranch and watched the trainers at work,” she said, “I knew that was for me. And I had good teachers.”
“I should thank them. Otherwise you might not have landed here at the Lucky L.”
She chewed her bottom lip. “Maybe that’s not the only thing that brought me here,” she said almost hesitantly.
Alex’s hot blue eyes studied her. “Is there something you think you should tell me? Something I ought to know?”
Liz gave herself a mental shake. The patio at Soda Pops was no place to discuss the intimate details of her life. If she could even make herself do it.
“I…”
He reached for her hand again. “Whatever it is, let’s leave it for now. Just keep something in mind for me.”
“What?”
“You’re more than just a playmate to me, although you happen to be an incredible one. Whatever reservations you have about taking this outside the club, I’d like it if you could share them with me.” He caressed her knuckles with his thumb. “You trust me at Rawhide. Can’t you trust me with whatever is bothering you?”
“I—”
“Not now. Not here. Just think about it, okay?” He pulled his hand back and began gathering up their trash, scooping hers up with his.
Liz pushed her chair back and stood. “Lunch was…I enjoyed it.”
His grin sent shivers skating down her spine. “Good. We’re making progress. I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.” He paused. “And of course tomorrow night.”
“Yes. Tomorrow night.” Wednesday. One of their regular nights.
“Good.” He lifted a hand as if to touch her face, then dropped it, aware of where they were. “See you then.”
Liz stood by the table and watched him walk away with his loose-hipped stride, climb into the big Wright Ranch Supplies pickup, and back away from the curb. Why, she wondered, did she have to be so fucked up just when probably the best thing to come along walked into her life?
She scooped her keys and tote off the table and headed for her own truck. Work, that’s what she needed. Lots of hard work. And then maybe a drink.
Chapter Eight
The afternoon was tense for Liz, mostly because while she worked with young Trish Stanton in the ring, she was acutely aware of Alex watching her. He’d brought his young niece to the Lucky L, given Liz a sinful grin, and made himself comfortable in the observation gallery. The hour of training seemed to stretch endlessly, but at last, the lesson was finished. She and Trish dismounted and walked their horses out into the breezeway where she kept a small box of grooming equipment. It was a rule at the Lucky L that clients as well as instructors cooled and groomed their horses after every lesson.
Trish bubbled with enthusiasm as she wiped Jester down and brushed her carefully. Liz had them set up so she could take care of her own horse while keeping an eye on the young girl, monitoring her strokes with the brush as well as Jester’s condition.
She was going over the training session with her when she heard the sound of boot heels on the concrete. She didn’t have to look to see who it was. Just being near him made her nerve endings sizzle, her nipples
ache, and a familiar throbbing sensation set up in her instantly wet cunt.
And that, of course, was a big part of her problem. The physical connection alone was so strong as to be almost visible, a steel band she found it impossible to break.
“Nice workout, Trish.” Glancing sideways, she saw him place a kiss on his niece’s forehead.
“Thanks, Uncle Alex.” Her enthusiasm was unmistakable. “Liz says we’re naturals, Jester and me.”
“I believe she’s right, squirt. She’s got very good instincts.”
“I’m almost done,” she told him. “Just a few more minutes.”
“Take your time. Do what needs doing.”
Liz continued brushing her horse with long smooth strokes, her entire body on full alert. She waited to see if he’d move closer to her, but instead, he dropped onto an upturned barrel, stretching his long legs out in front of him.
“Trish, I can finish Jester,” she told the young girl. “Go on ahead.”
“I’m almost done. And Uncle Alex doesn’t mind waiting.” She giggled. “He told me on the way over here there’s lots of nice things to look at.”
Did he now? Exactly what do you mean, Alex?
“Well, it looks like Jester’s finished so Uncle Alex won’t have to find things to look at any longer.” Liz moved over to unclip Jester’s bridle from the ropes holding her in place. “I’ll take her to her stall. You did really well, Trish. I’ll see you Saturday.”
“Okay. Thanks, Liz.” Trish hugged her tightly. “You’re the best.”
“I second that.” Alex had risen and was standing right next to her, his hands on Trish’s shoulders, his eyes hot and dark as the ocean. Then he pulled Trish’s long braid. “Come on, squirt. Let’s go so Liz can finish up here. She’s got an important appointment tonight.”
Tonight! Heat flashed over her. Rawhide. Nine o’clock. One of their regular nights.
For a quicksilver moment, she was tempted to cancel, but she faced the truth that she wanted the session more than she wanted to duck out on him. God, she was a mess. A total mess.
She managed a casual smile and a wave as the tall man and the young girl headed out to the parking area. Then she walked Jester back to her stall.
“I should have my head examined, right, girl?” She stroked the mare’s forehead. “What do you think I should do?”
Jester snorted and bobbed her head.
Liz laughed. “Right. I couldn’t have said it better myself.”
****
Rawhide was unusually crowded for a Wednesday night but Liz spotted Alex at once. He was leaning against a wall in the lounge, talking to another man, tall and heavily muscled. Liz recognized him as one of the dungeon masters.
Alex spotted her immediately and broke off his conversation.
“I was taking bets with myself whether you’d actually show tonight.” He slid his hand beneath her hair and rubbed the nape of her neck. His gaze raked over her. “You look good enough to eat. And that’s exactly what I plan to do.”
As he talked he walked her down the corridor. He pulled a key card from his pocket, swiped it in the lock, and opened the door to the room they always used. As usual, their regular toys were meticulously laid out and the lighting subdued except for the spotlight directly over the spanking bench and one above several sets of manacles hung from the ceiling on different lengths of chains.
The moment the door closed, the atmosphere changed. Gone was the relaxed, casual male who’d greeted her. In his place was the ultimate Dom, her Master, confident and in control. Moisture dripped from her pussy onto her thighs and her stomach clenched in anticipation. She stood in the usual position, head bowed, awaiting his instructions.
“Strip.” His voice was hot, the one word slicing the air like a knife through butter.
Liz blinked. Okay. Tonight he was getting right to it.
Alex watched her unbutton the embroidered vest she wore and drop it to the floor beside her. Next came the short denim skirt. No panties or bra. Just as he’d ordered.
“Leave those heels on.”
The stilettos were his favorite. Something clenched inside him as he realized she’d probably deliberately chosen them. His gaze traveled over her nakedness inch by inch, the sight of it so arousing he hoped he’d be able to keep himself in check. This woman had branded him in some way, made all other females pale by comparison. Made him constantly hungry for her.
He, Alex Wright, the Dom that other men envied for his emotional detachment. Well, there was nothing detached about the way he felt toward Elizabeth Gillibrand.
“Very good. You please me.”
“Thank you, Sir.” I want to please you a lot more, but oh, don’t ask me anything else. Don’t let this change.
Alex reached for her nipples, pinching them and rolling them until they were pebbled and swollen. Then he lifted a set of nipple clamps from the table and carefully fastened each one in place, a connecting chain swinging between them.
“Beautiful,” he breathed, dragging a fingernail across each hard bud. “Now. On the spanking bench. Immediately.”
Liz moved to the padded bench and lay on it face down, careful to place her breasts into the openings made for them. She stretched out her arms and legs and waited with an edge of burning expectancy as Alex locked fleece-lined cuffs, first around her wrists and then around her ankles. His warm palm traveled the length of her body from her neck to her ankles, slowly caressing every inch of her flesh. Gooseflesh rose in its wake, evidence of the growing need inside her.
Alex trailed his fingers through the crevice between the cheeks of her ass, the tip of one finger just tracing the puckered opening.
“I love your ass, Elizabeth. I get hot just looking at it.” He came to stand in front of her so his crotch was directly in line with her face. There was no mistaking the bulge pressing against the fabric. His cock was definitely swollen. A lot.
She licked her lips and he laughed. “You’d like my cock in your mouth, wouldn’t you? And I want the same thing. But not yet.”
He walked around her, his hand mapping the curves of her body again. She could tell when he moved away, towards the table that held the toys. Then he was back and she felt the coolness of gel against her anus, followed by the intrusion of his finger into that dark tunnel. She sucked in her breath as electricity crackled through her, straight to her nipples and pussy and jolting the blood racing in her veins.
A second finger joined the first, massaging the lube into her tissues. She bit her lip when he withdrew, needing that feeling inside her. But in another moment, the familiar pressure of the plug pushed against her opening. Push, push, push. The tissues stretched and expanded to accommodate the object. Then it was all the way inside, and another gush of fluid seeped from her pussy.
Alex trailed his hand between her thighs, finding her wetness. His laugh was totally erotic.
“Just the way I like you. Soaking wet. Ready to begin?”
“Yes, Sir.”
Please, please, please.
She was already in subspace, craving the act of discipline that would arouse her to an intense level of hunger. She didn’t have long to wait. Seconds later, she felt the familiar strips of the suede flogger travel over her skin, the backs of her thighs, her ass, even her shoulders.
“You have no idea how it excites me to see the kiss of the flogger on your flesh, Elizabeth. When have received the require number of strokes I’ll let you see just how much. But flogging first. Always. Just so we remember who’s in charge. Right?”
“Right, Sir. Yes.”
Get on with it, get on with it, get on with it.
Liz worked to hold herself still while Alex moved the flogger slowly over her again. When she felt the first satisfying lash, she had to bite her lip to keep from crying out with pleasure.
“Ten strokes,” he reminded her. “Just like always.”
Again, the leather fell, slapping the backs of her thighs, her calves, her upper back, and finally on
her ass. Her skin burned with the heat of it, a heat that flashed through her entire body. Her clit was so swollen and needy, she wanted to beg for relief, but that, of course, was the point. When he reached the count of ten, she almost wanted to pleased with him to continue.
“Only ten,” he reminded her, as if reading her mind. “But we’re far from finished.” More movement, then he was back in front of her, the padded paddle in his hand. “And ten with this, my lovely sub. Are you ready?”
She nodded.
“Good. Very good.”
Thwack!
Liz jumped as the leather-covered wood landed on her thighs. Once, Twice. Then on each globe of her buttocks. Alex was always careful not to strike the plug directly but it didn’t matter. Her ass was so alive with fire she felt every inch of the toy lodged inside her.
Seven? Eight?
She had lost track, tumbling through subspace, so aroused her orgasm was already gathering deep inside her.
“Don’t come, Elizabeth,” Alex warned, knowing her body so well. “If you come without my permission you’ll have to be punished again.”
Yes. No.
She couldn’t even make up her mind what she wanted more.
“Ten.” The last stroke fell with additional force.
Then Liz felt his lips brush her burning ass, kissing the marks she knew were there. The sensations it caused were so intense she tried to lift herself up to him, but she was locked into place, stretched out. Barely able to move.
She heard the whisper of fabric, a clunk, another one. Hands cupped her cheeks, and when she opened her eyes, she was staring directly at Alex’s thick, hard cock.
“Open,” he said, his thumbs at the corners of her lips.
She opened her mouth wide enough for him to slide his shaft inside. In this position, she could only take him so deep, but she loved the slide of him along her tongue, the taste of his flesh, the thickness of the little bead of fluid that seeped from the slit.
Alex held her head firmly in place as he fucked her mouth with a slow in and out movement, back and forth, and all the while, she worked to tamp down the climax that wanted to break free.